Evaluation of a Health Education Program about Traumatic Brain Injury

Objective: To evaluate a health education program (TBIoptions: Promoting Knowledge) designed to increase public awareness and understanding about traumatic brain injury (TBI) through in-person (classroom) and computer-based (electronic) learning environments. Design: Pre-post survey design with randomization of participants to classroom (N = 22) or electronic (N = 22) delivery of the program. Setting: Classroom and computer laboratory settings on the campus of Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS. Method: Forty-four participants rated areas of knowledge about TBI prior to and after the program experience. They also rated health program quality and instructional strategies (e.g., video vignettes). Written responses provided information for qualitative analysis. Results: Participants reported significantly higher ratings of knowledge after the program experience. Qualitative analysis of written responses provided further evidence to support quantitative outcomes. There were no significant differences in comparing the two methods of delivery (classroom versus electronic learning format). Participants rated the quality of the program and various instructional strategies very highly. Conclusion: TBIoptions: Promoting Knowledge offers a health education program to increase understanding about TBI. Both modes of delivery, classroom and electronic, appeared equally effective in terms of self-report of change.